Santana set to join the army

Auto Express Car Reviews

25th June 2006

This is the car that’s gunning for Land Rover’s mighty Defender. The famous Solihull off-roader has long been favoured by the British armed forces. But that could be about to change now that military bosses have given Santana’s range of off-roaders the green light, clearing the way for them to go head-to-head with rivals.

After undergoing a series of gruelling tests, the forces’ Specialist and Utility Vehicles team has, for the first time, added the Spanish line-up to its panel of suitable vehicles. That opens the door to large military contracts and, as a result, puts the utilitarian four-wheel-drive in direct competition with the British-born Defender.

Although Santana has yet to pick up any orders following the decision, the 2.8-litre oil-burner’s 3.5-tonne tow-ing capacity and one-tonne payload are sure to appeal to military chiefs.

The firm’s ‘Work4orce’ line-up also includes van and pick-up variants. Forces in Spain, France and the Czech Republic already use Santana vehicles.

According to distributor Fourtec UK, models in the range can be equipped as emergency vehicles and fitted with armour for battlefield roles.